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Patrick Augustine:

"LCMT is a place that takes chances. On its shows, and on its actors, both as individuals and part of the ensemble. And it takes chances because it believes in the importance of theater. It believes in the talent and dedication of those who try to make it happen, no matter what level or aspect of production a person does their work. I'll be honest, when I was offered the role of Edna Turnblad in 2012's Hairspray, I was as excited as I was nervous. It's a wonderful role, but even the most secure in themselves take pause when considering what the reactions will be to one becoming the female half od a loving old married couple on-stage. I've known people who have been seriously bullied for much less. It's not a role you can do without worry in some place. Or, for that matter, we can all think of places where a show where people of all colors dance and sing and love and kiss might not be so well received. Even Hollywood seems to have trouble accepting a leading starlet who isn't skinny, so had to settle for being beautiful. But I shouldn't have worried. The cast and crew of Hairspray were nothing but supportive, and welcoming, and kind to each other, and it made for a production in which you knew you weren't going to be made fun of for what you look like, or who you are, on or off stage. Behind the scenes, LCMT is a safe place for everyone, and that's what allows us to take the on-stage chances that lead to such quality entertainment,"

Patrick is a graduate of the University of Chicago and is currently finishing his teaching certification.

Sharon Seyfarth-Garner:

"It was an honor to be a part of such an amazingly talented cast for LCMT's 2012 production of Hairspray. Not only was the quality of the direction, music and choreography top notch, but it was also loads of fun! As one who is new to musical theater, I felt warmly welcomed and encouraged by all to the cast and production staff. I look forward to continuing my invlolvement with LCMT and making many more fabulous memories in the years to come!"

Sharon is a Pastor in Lorain County.

Pamela Shirtz:

"I have been fortunate enough to perform with LCMT for two summers and I loved every minute of my experiences. LCMT works very hard to produce professional productions, and they put a lot of time into all aspects of the production process. The Board members and production staff of LCMT expects high quality qork from their performers and they are successful due to the educational experiences they offer. Everyone within this community theater organization is very friendly and work very hard to bring the stories on the stage to life."

Pamela is an elementary school teacher and choreographer, and resides in Sandusky.

Joe Salasovich:

"In 1991 I was a 16 year old who was looking for any way to be involved with the theatre. Lorain Community Music Theater gave me my first opportunity to be involved. I ran props backstage for the King and I that year. I tap danced in Anything Goes and spoke my first lines onstage in Gypsy. I found my way backstage for Big River where I took on stage management. Being able to try so many different roles, both onstage and off, was the best part of my LCMT experience. Every day I get up and get to do exactly what I want to do. I would not have a career in the American Theatre today if it weren't for my time in LCMT."

Joe is the Costume Director at the Tony Award winning Arena Stage. Joe is also a freelance costume technician and associate designer in Washington, D.C.

Ansley Valentine:

"I cannot say enough about the IMPACT Lorain Community Music Theater has had on my personal and professional life. Working on the productions allowed me to take my directing craft to a new level. I was challenged by the productions offered to me, and gained a lot from meeting those challenges in a warm, positive, friendly environment. But what makes LCMT productions special are the people. I have met some of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to find in a theater. I made some personal connections that made the process of directing a real joy. LCMT really is a family affair - and it's good to feel a part of that family."

Ansley is the Director of Theatre at Northern Michigan University, Forest Roberts Theatre

Sarah Wozniak:

"I have always identified with the proverb 'it takes a village to raise a child', and LCMT was my village. From my first production to my last, LCMT was a community of teachers, friends and family that ultimately guided me to where I am today. I found my voice, my self-confidence and my passion every summer I was a part of a show; that passion led to my lifelong belief in the transformational power of the arts, and landed me in New York City, working to bring great theatre and arts education to students. I know of no other outlet where my brother, mother (and the extended family of non-relatives I accumulated over the years) could come together to experiment, create, explore, and most of all, have fun. I wouldn't trade a single moment of the harem pants-wearing, chameleon hair-dyeing, teeny bopper screaming, pirouetting ballroom brawls we had. LCMT truly is about community."

Sarah is the Artistic Administrator for The Pearl Theatre Company in New York City. Her first show was King and I (1991) at the age of 5, and her last was Hello, Dolly (2007) at the age of 21. Throughout her association with LCMT, she was a performer, spot operator, costume designer and even a carpenter.

Claude Coller:

"It has been my great good luck to be associated with Lorain Community Music Theater as an onstage performer, pit orchestra musician and, most importantly, an enthusiastic audience member. The dedication, talent and hard work that goes into every production is truly remarkable. That LCMT provides such an outstanding outlet speaks to the commitment LCMT has to providing theater participants and theater goers with the best in musical theater. It is my hope to be associated with Lorain Community Music Theater for many, many more performances."

Claude is a retired Instrumental Music Teacher, Southview High School

Max Kantor:

"My time on stage began when I was cast as Randolph MacAfee in LCMT's Bye Bye Birdie at the age of 9. From then on, I didn't stop. LCMT helped expose me to a great group of people and really helped me develop an understanding of a cooperative creative experience. I really have had a great time in the shows I have performed with LCMT, and for me, are some of the best memories of my life."

Max is a graduate of Circle in the Square and resides in New York City.

Kyle Branzel:

"My summers working with Lorain Community Music Theater were some of my happiest and most rewarding. There was such a sense of community among everyone involved, and I learned so much just from watching them work. There is a lot of heart in this theatre company, and it shines through all summer long."

Kyle is a student of the Chicago College of the Performing Arts, Roosevelt University

Ashley Campana:

"My first show ever was The Will Rogers Follies with Lorain Community Music Theatre. I jumped out of a box with three other kids wearing cow-print chaps. It was then that I was bit by the theatre bug! I continued to do shows with LCMT, and was inspired and encouraged by the creative team of fellow actors. It was at LCMT that not only did I develop a passion for theatre but I gained the confidence in myself to become a successful working actress. I went on to earn a BFA in musical theatre at Elon Unoversity and was part of the first national tour of Disney's High School Musical. I am very grateful to LCMT to opening my eyes to the dream of musical theatre that I live everyday."

Ashley is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association and lives in New York City.

Spencer Riley:

"The first experience I had with LCMT was with the production of Beauty and the Beast. It was one of the most fulfilling theatre experiences I have had. I got to work with a whole bunch of talented and creative people who knew what they were doing, and I made new friends. Being an LCMT newbie, this group helped make this one of the best times of my life for me. Beauty and the Beast was one of the best shows I have performed in, and I hope to do many more shows with them in the future."

Spencer is a Senior at Brookside High School

Gregory Wozniak:

"I have only fond memories of Lorain Community Music Theater. In 1988, my mother, Carol, was in the LCMT orchestra for the production of 42nd Street. She had been 'in the pit' for as long as I could remember, and when I had no babysitter for the night, she brought me along to the theater. I sat in the front row, directly behind Bobbi Emery, the Orchestra Conductor, so she could keep an eye on me. The moment the lights went down and the curtain went up, I was spellbound...these people were doing everything I wanted to do, without getting yelled at.They were getting applause! Right then and there I knew...I have to do that. As soon as I could read, and met the age requirements, I started my stage career, and I haven't stopped.

I hold degrees in Theatre and Education, and have been working as a professional actor since 2003 in the Outdoor Drama TECUMSEH! and as a Professional National Touring Actor for Columbus Childrens Theatre and Madcap Puppet Productions (Cincinnati). I owe the spark to my career to LCMT and everyone involved. Some of the best people I know contribute to that fine organization, and I am LCMT PROUD! Please support the arts in your community, especially in our schools. Go see a show...it could change your life!"

Greg is a member of the Equity Membership Candidacy (EMC). He will be featured in the second male principal role of Tenskwata in TECUMSEH! throughout the 2010 summer production. He then plans to follow his career path to the great white way in New York City.

Melissa Driscol:

"I am the daughter of Ted Driscol, owner of Driscol Music Co., and Jeddie Driscol, long-time teacher and director/choreographer in Lorain County. Although my parents were gifted both in the music business and musical talent, I would not have had the career I have without the amazing programs of LCMT. From a young age, it gave me the opportunity to grow as an actor, singer and dancer, but also helped give me the confidence to go out in this crazy world and succeed. I will always remember my roots!"

Melissa is an accomplished Cabaret Artist in New York City.

Rick Dawson:

"I was fortunate enough to be involved with LCMT as a child in the production of Mame, with the late, great Jean Schaeffer, and working with Bob Bostwick, Judy Hermann and Jeddie Driscol. This was one of my first theatrical productions and I learned a TON about being on stage, developing a character and the discipline it takes to be an actor. I got the bug and loved it!

Since then I have had the opportunity to play Billis in South Pacific, Albert in Bye Bye Birdie, and most recently Maurice in Beauty and the Beast, as well as many other productions in the Greater Cleveland area. I have also worked on the LCMT crew and witnessed the hard work that goes on behind the scene! But the real joy, and something that will always stay with me, was to perform on stage with my own children in Beauty and the Beast, and seeing the tradition being passed on to them.

Being with the LCMT family is always like a homecoming for me, and the people associated give so much to the community. We are truly blessed to have these fine people bringing quality theater to the people of Lorain County. May God bless LCMT, and may He give us many more years of amazing productions."

Rick is an accomplished Contemporary Christian Vocalist

John Baumgartner:

"I had my introduction to theater the summer of 1982 at age 11, with the Palace Youth Theater/LCMT production of Oliver! I was one of Fagin's kids with just one line, and I quote "They're stale!" But that's all it took - I was a youth hooked on LCMT. I'll always be grateful for those magic summers of community music theater; they are indelible in my heart and mind, and opened the door to a life-long love of the performing arts."

John is a Film Writer & Director in Los Angeles

Alex Arroyo:

"LCMT holds a dear place in my heart! Not only have I met amazing life-long friends while doing shows, but the Directors and Choreographers were some of the most talented in Northeast Ohio. If you told me I was going to be Bernardo when I auditioned for West Side Story, I would have laughed in your face! Any opportunity to perform in West Side Story and A Chorus Line is a magical one. Both of these casts became extremely close, and the chance to work on material that really moves an audience is wonderful. LCMT gives me the chance to perform at home. I usually do shows all over the country, but when I get a chance to shine in my hometown it gives my friends and family a chance to see me in my niche. I have nothing but praise for LCMT and I wish them the best in their future summer productions!"

Alex is a Professional Actor and Choreographer and has worked with the following productions: Rising Stars Concert at Town Hall, New York Musical Theatre Festival; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat National Tour (Dan/Joseph U/S); Fireside Theatre, Wisconsin; Lyric Stage, Dallas. He was seen on the LCMT stage in Annie Get Your Gun (ensemble), West Side Story (Bernardo), and A Chorus Line (Bobby).

J. Carlos Gonzalez:

"Being involved with LCMT at an early age gave me a hands-on and real life perspective on theatre. I made lots of great friends, and I use what I have learned with LCMT in the real world. LCMT is a staple of quality entertainment, made by quality people in Lorain County."